Michael Ovitz
Co-founder of CAA; former Disney president; flew on Epstein aircraft; email correspondence in EFTA releases
Also known as: Michael Steven Ovitz
Co-founder of Creative Artists Agency (CAA), former president of The Walt Disney Company (1995-1997), and tech investor. Appeared in Epstein's black book with 6 phone numbers. Flew on Epstein's aircraft on at least two occasions: Teterboro to Palm Beach and return to Los Angeles, both with Epstein, Maxwell, and Sarah Kellen. EFTA documents released by DOJ reveal email correspondence: Ovitz praised Epstein's 'outstanding multiple talents' in a 2013 message, planned visits to Epstein's Manhattan townhouse, and Epstein invited Ovitz to Little St. James island in 2012 (Ovitz declined).
Epstein told associates he knew Ovitz 'well.' A spokesperson for Ovitz denied close ties.
Large reports can take 10 to 30 seconds. Your download will start automatically.
Michael Ovitz appears in records associated with Jeffrey Epstein, including flight logs, contact lists, or legal documents. Appearance in these records does not imply any wrongdoing or criminal conduct. Many individuals had legitimate professional or social interactions.
This dossier was generated by AI (Claude) from court filings, government releases, and other documentary sources in our database. It may contain errors or misattributions. Always verify claims against the linked source documents.
Background
Michael Steven Ovitz is an American entertainment executive and investor best known as the co-founder of Creative Artists Agency (CAA), one of Hollywood's most powerful talent agencies. He served as president of The Walt Disney Company from 1995 to 1997. Following his tenure at Disney, Ovitz founded Artist Management Group. He has been a prominent figure in the entertainment and technology investment spheres.
Ovitz appeared in Jeffrey Epstein's black book with six phone numbers. EFTA documents released as part of federal proceedings reveal extensive email correspondence between Ovitz and Epstein spanning at least 2012 to 2014, including coordinated in-person meetings in New York City and St. Barths. Ovitz was also listed on a proposed invite list for Epstein-organized private seminars on 'Money & Power' circa March 2012, alongside figures such as Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, and other prominent individuals.
Epstein Connection
Documentary evidence establishes a social relationship between Michael Ovitz and Jeffrey Epstein through multiple channels: (1) Ovitz was listed in Epstein's black book with six phone numbers; (2) EFTA email records show direct, familiar correspondence between Ovitz and Epstein from at least April 2012 through January 2013, with Epstein's assistant Lesley Groff also facilitating contact; (3) Ovitz was listed on Epstein's proposed 'Power' seminar invite list in March 2012; (4) Ovitz visited Epstein at his New York residence in April 2012; (5) Ovitz and Epstein coordinated a meeting in St. Barths in late December 2012; (6) Ovitz praised Epstein's 'outstanding multiple talents' in a January 2013 email; (7) third parties such as J.P. Morgan's Rosa da Silva and real estate developer Andrew Farkas used Epstein as an intermediary to reach Ovitz, indicating Epstein's perceived closeness to him.
Key Allegations(10)
Ovitz was listed on Epstein's proposed 'Power' seminar invite list in March 2012 alongside Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, George Mitchell, and Howard Gardner.
documentedOvitz appeared in Epstein's black book with six phone numbers.
documentedOvitz visited Epstein at his New York City residence on April 13, 2012, arranging to come by around 6:15 PM after email coordination with Epstein.
documentedOvitz and Epstein coordinated an in-person meeting in St. Barths in late December 2012, with both parties on yachts in the area.
documentedOvitz praised Epstein in a January 28, 2013 email, stating he was 'Standing with Sinofsky now and we both are raving about you And your outstanding multiple talents.'
documentedEpstein's assistant Lesley Groff actively facilitated contact between Epstein and Ovitz, emailing Ovitz on Epstein's behalf on multiple occasions in April 2012.
documentedJ.P. Morgan banker Rosa da Silva asked Epstein to call Michael Ovitz, suggesting a financial or professional nexus involving all three parties.
documentedThird parties used Epstein as a conduit to reach Ovitz: in November 2014, Andrew L. Farkas asked Epstein for an introduction to Ovitz regarding 'the naming oppty for the new degree in the performing arts.'
documentedOvitz appeared on a DOJ-compiled list of names (DOJ-OGR-00022367), with personal contact information redacted.
documentedAn email referenced a planned visit to Ovitz's house: 'On Monday evening we are meant to be going to Michael Ovitz's house for a visit.'
documentedLegal Status
Ovitz is not known to have been charged, convicted, or formally investigated in connection with the Epstein case. He appears in EFTA discovery documents, Epstein's black book, DOJ-released name lists, and House Oversight seminar invite lists. No allegations of criminal conduct against Ovitz are present in the provided documents.
Notable Statements(8)
“Standing with Sinofsky now and we both are raving about you And your outstanding m[ultiple talents]”
“Hi Jeff My boat is parked in St Bads because we dropped a rudder”
“Will be here Looking forward to seeing you”
“I will come by around 615”
“They must have had too much wine! Or were talking a out the problem with garbage”
“Hi Jeff Would love to have had dinner, but I actually came”
“Thanks It was great”
“leave tamara for a minute and stop by today or tomorow”
Contradictions(1)
A spokesperson for Ovitz denied close ties to Epstein.
EFTA email records show a familiar, ongoing social relationship spanning at least 2012-2014, including in-person meetings in New York and St. Barths, Ovitz praising Epstein's 'outstanding multiple talents,' and third parties (J.P. Morgan, Andrew Farkas) using Epstein as a conduit to reach Ovitz, suggesting Epstein and Ovitz were perceived as close by associates.
Key Relationships(5)
Extensive direct email correspondence from 2012-2013 showing familiar social relationship; coordinated in-person meetings in New York and St. Barths; Ovitz praised Epstein effusively; Epstein urged Ovitz to visit; Ovitz listed in Epstein's black book with 6 numbers. (efta-efta01905995, efta-01873089, efta-01912106, efta-efta00081414)
Lesley Groff, Epstein's assistant, emailed Ovitz on multiple occasions to facilitate contact and meetings with Epstein. (efta-efta01769130, efta-efta02171032, efta-02553855)
Both Ovitz and Bill Clinton appeared on Epstein's proposed 'Power' seminar invite list. (d-32050, d-25971, kaggle-ho-026549)
Both Ovitz and Bill Gates appeared on Epstein's proposed seminar invite lists (Gates on both 'Money' and 'Power' lists, Ovitz on 'Power'). (d-32050, d-25971, kaggle-ho-026549)
Both Ovitz and George Mitchell appeared on Epstein's proposed 'Power' seminar invite list. (d-32050, d-25971)
Timeline(11 events)
Internal memo from Lesley Groff to Jeffrey Epstein lists Michael Ovitz on the proposed 'Power' seminar invite list alongside Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, George Mitchell, and Howard Gardner.
Lesley Groff emails Michael Ovitz on behalf of Epstein: 'Jeffrey is wondering if you will be in N[Y] tomorrow or Saturday.'
Ovitz emails Epstein expressing regret at missing dinner but confirming he is in New York briefly. Epstein replies: 'leave tamara for a minute and stop by today or tomorow.' Ovitz arranges to come by around 6:15 PM and asks for Epstein's address.
Lesley Groff emails Ovitz at Artist Management Group: 'Jeffrey would like to speak with' him.
Groff emails Epstein noting 'Michael Ovitz is in NY for next couple of days...please give' (text cut off).
Ovitz emails Epstein: 'My boat is parked in St Ba[r]ths because we dropped a rudder.' Epstein asks how long he'll be there; Ovitz replies '2 weeks.'
Epstein emails Ovitz: 'I will be in st barth tomorrow, how do I find you?' Ovitz responds asking what boat Epstein is visiting; Epstein replies 'almirqab.'
Ovitz reports his location ('We are parked about 500 yards from...') and confirms 'Will be here Looking forward to seeing you.' Epstein notes high winds delaying his arrival to Monday.
Ovitz emails Epstein: 'Standing with Sinofsky now and we both are raving about you And your outstanding m[ultiple talents].'
Ovitz emails Epstein: 'Thanks It was great,' suggesting a recent meeting or interaction.
Andrew L. Farkas writes to Epstein: 'I would appreciate the intro to michael ovitz to talk about the naming oppty for the new degree in the performing arts,' indicating Epstein was seen as a conduit to Ovitz.
At a Glance
Click values for sourcesSources
3 sources for flight appearances
Epstein Flight Logs (2 entries)
1999-2000
“Appeared on 2 documented flights between Teterboro Airport, NJ and LAX International, CA”
Sources
1 source for known connections
Shared Flight Appearances
“Appears on flights with 3 other persons in the Epstein network”
Sources
1 source for black book status
Epstein's Black Book
“Listed with 6 phone numbers in the contact directory seized by authorities”
Activity Timeline
Network Graph
Known Connections (3)
External Cross-Check
Search ICIJ Offshore Leaks, OFAC Sanctions, SEC EDGAR, and Federal Courts
Offshore Connections (1)
Cross-referenced against the ICIJ Offshore Leaks Database (814K+ entities from Panama Papers, Paradise Papers, Pandora Papers, and Bahamas Leaks). Matches are based on name similarity and do not imply wrongdoing.
Michael Steven
Flight Log Appearances (2)
| Date | Route | Aircraft | Co-Passengers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 10, 2000 | Teterboro Airport, NJ → LAX International, CA | N908JE | Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, Sarah Kellen |
| Dec 4, 1999 | Teterboro Airport, NJ → Palm Beach International, FL | N908JE | Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, Sarah Kellen |
Black Book Entry
Document Mentions
This dossier on Michael Ovitz was compiled from court records, flight logs, and public documents. 100% free, ad-free, and independent.